Food storage
How long do leftovers last in the fridge?
Most cooked leftovers keep for 2 days in the fridge. Cool them within 1–2 hours of cooking, keep them covered, and reheat only once until piping hot. To keep them longer, freeze leftovers for around 3 months. Cooked rice is the exception, so use it within 1 day.
| Leftovers | Fridge | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked meat & fish dishes | 2 days | 2–3 months |
| Cooked rice & pasta | 1 day | 1 month |
| Soups & stews | 2–3 days | 3 months |
| Cooked veg & curries | 2 days | 3 months |
How to cool and store leftovers safely
Bacteria multiply fastest between room temperature and fridge temperature, so the quicker food cools, the safer it is. Split big batches into shallow containers to cool them faster, cover them, and refrigerate within two hours. The FSA covers this at food.gov.uk.
A note on rice
Cooked rice needs extra care because of a bacterium called Bacillus cereus, which can survive cooking. Cool rice within 1 hour, keep it no more than 1 day, and reheat it only once. See how long cooked rice lasts for the detail.
How to tell if leftovers have gone off
- A sour, off or unusual smell
- A slimy film or fuzzy mould
- More than 2 days in the fridge, even if it looks fine
Turn leftovers into another meal
Leftovers are free dinners if you use them in time. Roast chicken becomes a curry or wrap, veg becomes soup, and odds and ends become fried rice. Ask What’s in my Fridge what to make. See also: the full storage chart.
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